JML Contracts hails role on RIBA House of the Year project

JML Contracts has spoken of its joy after one of its projects was named House of the Year 2018 by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Lochside House in the Scottish Highlands was revealed as the winner in the final episode of a special Channel 4 series Grand Designs: House of the Year, broadcast on November 28.

The super-efficient and sustainable structural insulated panels (SIPs) from which the structure is made were engineered, manufactured and erected by Perthshire-based family business JML Contracts.

The off-grid, low energy home was designed by HaysomWardMiller Architects and incorporates a complex floorplan with three different floor levels and eight roof areas across a single-story building.

Set in a remote rural location, the house was designed and built with sustainability at its heart: it has its own water supply, sewage treatment and electrical systems, all designed to reduce overall energy use to a minimum.

John Langley, director of JML Contracts, said: “We are absolutely delighted that this stunning house has received the recognition it deserves – it’s great to see Scottish housebuilding being recognised on a national stage. This home is the perfect example of innovative housebuilding where sustainability has been considered at every point throughout the build process. It shows that sustainability definitely doesn’t have to mean a compromise to the beauty of a home.

“This was a particularly challenging project for us, partly due to the remote nature of the site. We couldn’t have any mechanical assistance on site, therefore the SIPs kit for the house had to be designed, engineered and precisely pre-cut offsite in our factory in Auchterarder. On site, everything had to be done by hand - our panels were even delivered to the site using a Land Rover and trailer.”